Patek Philippe

What are the odds of getting a 5164a from an AD today?

Hello there fellow enthusiasts, I'm new to the forum. I've actually posted a thread a few months ago describing how I would start my collection again, with 2 watches.

I want a 5164a ever since I've saw it in 2011, to me it's just the perfect sporty piece.

SS, low key (for non watch people), right dimensions and a very useful and elegantly thought complication, definitely related to the earlier Louis Cottier pieces.

Did anyone acquired or tried to acquire one from an AD, recently? I've been hearing stories of ppl getting laughed at and told it is like a 5-7 year waitlist for that watch now, is it true?

Not sure I can afford to pay the premium, it's kind of a big stretch... But I'll do it if I have no other option, with the help of some patience, I really want this piece.

Thanks in advance for all the knowledge and chivalry that you guys share on the platform, it's truly amazing.

Best,

CT

Welcome here CT, and thanks for joining our beautiful forum! The market for virtually all steel Patek models is extremely competitive, as you well know.

By: FabR : May 10th, 2020-15:21

As it stands, it seems extremely hard, without any prior significant purchase history at a given AD, to source a 5164. I can see there is an AD in your town though (and two in your country), so especially if you are already familiar with them, it won't hu...

Thank you

By: 3watchguy : May 11th, 2020-07:24

Greetings, Fabr! Thanks a lot for the insight! I’ve actually contacted the AD through e mail, they were kind, but sadly told me that they didn’t have the watch available, but I’ll definitely pay them a visit when things get a little more “normal”. Best Re...

A warm welcome CT to our Patek forum ! Just like others with great relationships with ADs, everyone has to...

By: GLau : May 11th, 2020-06:10

start somewhere. Have a visit to the ADs in your country and explain to them you passion and build a relationship. 5164/1A without prior relationship is likely a challenging watch to get. Patience is key for both buying this watch at retail price or even ...

Thank you, Glau!

By: 3watchguy : May 11th, 2020-07:27

I’ve sent an e mail to the main ad, they simply told me they didn’t had the watch in the moment. I’ll definitely visit them when they’re allowed to open the doors again, to start a relationship and try to get a little closer to the dream! I’m not in a hur...

It's really basic logic and common sense...

By: patrick_y : May 11th, 2020-11:55

Have a little empathy. Empathy is when you put yourself in another person's shoes and try to see it from their perspective. Put yourself in the watch store's shoes. 1. You have existing clients who want the watch, existing clients who've supported your bu...

Good points

By: 3watchguy : May 11th, 2020-12:59

Completely agree with your economical and empathetic analysis, Patrick. At the end of the day, we just want the pieces that speak to us. Unfortunately, there were some “flipper behavior” that definitely inspired most dealers to look at the customers who’v...

I've employed the "patient game" too and so far it's never worked...

By: patrick_y : May 11th, 2020-15:22

The only time I've ever gotten a desirable piece was when I was a known client. Otherwise, there's really little to no incentive otherwise. But good luck! And miracles can happen!

I always read the advice to just make friends with them:

By: dte2 : May 12th, 2020-20:39

Pop in every week not buying anything. Talk to them and make long friendly conversations with them. Assure them that you are an enthusiast. Remind them that you love that watch so much and will never flip it. I wonder if there is even one soul in the worl...

It can’t hurt. But it doesn’t usually work...

By: patrick_y : May 12th, 2020-22:00

It doesn’t work. It’s a business decision. But if they run out of clients to sell steel Nautiluses and Steel Daytona and they don’t want to buy one for themselves then they’ll sell to you.